[autumnspring]

My small claims experience was not in Fla and it was many years ago.
I'm not an atty BUT, I was told that as a corporation they need to be represented by an atty.
You say that he could not afford to pay an atty. What can I say he is not being FAIR with you so why should you care.
When, he receives the paperwork from small claims he will need to act-CALL HIS ATTY. If he simply ignores the paperwork-FINE-you will win due to his not showing. THE HARD PART WILL BE COLLECTING.
As to your facing an atty. Based on my experience the judge in small claims will be on your side not the side of the atty. You have a major advantage. Small claims court for you is like watching one of those TV court shows-it is amusing to see all the stuff that goes on. While you are enjoying the spectacle his meter is running at the rate of 2-$300 an hour.
SADLY, YOU NEED TO SUE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS WELL AS THE GARDENER. YOU DO NOT WANT TO GET TO SMALL CLAIMS A FIND THAT YOU ARE SUING THE WRONG PERSON SO YOU SUE THEM ALL AND LET THE JUDGE DECIDE WHO NEEDS TO PAY YOU.